The President of the St Lucia Cuba Humanistic Solidarity Association has reacted to news that The United States and the Communist rule Caribbean country have re established diplomatic ties after more than half a century.

Mr Rawle Harvey says the news has been welcomed by lobbyists who have been calling for the thawing of relations between the two countries.

But he says while he describes the development as a good one, he is not optimistic about the lifting of an economic embargo that has been imposed on the communist state.

Mr Harvey however remains hopeful that the process will continue even after President Barack Obama demits office at the end of his two year term.

The president of the St Lucia Cuba Humanistic Solidarity Association says the move will have mutual benefits particularly in the area of tourism and medicine.

Obama also said that working more closely with Cuba will allow the U.S. to address human rights issues that go against America's policies.